Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Deputy Diaz, i'm sorry for what happened to you that night 17 years ago, as your killing was unneccessary, and absolutely uncalled for. If anything, the man who killed you could've just did his time in jail and got it over with, but instead chose to make a choice that would prove how vile and cruel he was towards you. Not only that, he was a gang member at the time from what i learned, which says alot on how unlawful of a person he was, as he was already down the wrong path from the beginning. But from the footage i've seen of your death, it makes no sense on how not only was he desperate to get away, but from the fact that he had many options. He could've pulled over and went to jail like he should've, or he could've just done something other than shooting you and taking your life. Not only did he take away a police officer, but he took away a husband, a father, a brother, and many more, and on top of it he was a father himself, but he clearly had little care for his own child as he ditched them in the process, which says alot on how much of a coward he was. But rest assured, you've been avenged as he's been sentenced to death, meaning that justice has been served and he will no longer cause a threat to anyone else again, and that he won't rip apart anymore families like he did. That means that one day karma will eventually reach him, which is death, for the actions he did that night as his time is coming. Although karma takes its time to reach those who do harm to others, especially police, it only means that it will give those who have done wrong a harsh punishment, which is judgement day. But i think despite all of that, i'd like to focus on the good side. From what i learned, you always had a good heart to others, since you were a man who cared for his family and his children, as you were born into a large family, which i think inspired you to have your own family as you had a wife and children, whom i'm sure have grown up to learn about their father's legacy and who you were as a man and as a person, as you were a protector to those who couldn't defend themselves. You were a man who loved serving and protecting his community, since you spent a mere 4 years on the job, and during those 4 years, you made a difference and changed the way Yolo county was before your passing, which says alot, as i guarantee that the residents appreciated your service while you were alive and remember you and your service, along with how selfless you were to put others safety over yours. And another thing i'd like to mention is that during your last moments, you didn't back down as you were able to fight back until the end, which says alot about the strength you had. The fact you were able to return fire at the man who took your life is something that not only all officers are trained to do, but it's the way you fought back even though you were critically injured and most likely knew it was the end. However, despite that spineless coward taking you away, he has been sentenced to death as his time is coming for what he did, which i'm sure you're resting well at the fact he will face his fate once that said day comes. I think you did alot during your 37 years on earth, as you not only protected and served your city and the citizens of California, but it was something you were called upon to do, and you did so with grace and care for others, which is something that only few can do. Not many people in this world are fit to be cops, but with officers like you setting the example and having a good work ethic, it's safe to say you were able to show the corrupt that not everyone is bad and that they can change and have a change of heart with mind. And from what i learned about what kind of person you were and how truly good of an officer you were, i'm sure your fellow officers and coworkers had a blast working with someone like you, since you were the type of person who would turn people's bad days into good days by showing them who you were at heart, and with how God made you. Although i for one never met or knew you, i believe you were a good person to encounter and get to know, since you truly did love your people and wanted to do the best you could to make them feel safe and protected with officers like you protecting them and making sure they get to their destination safely with no harm. Although it's been awhile since your passing, it won't ever change the fact that you once served your people, and that the current officers serving the same county as you will know that your presence was once there, working alongside them, and as long as your name is still said and that you're remembered, you won't fully pass away as you live on in the minds and hearts of others, especially your family. I'd like to think you're the guardian angel of your wife and children, as they go on with their lives as you protect them and ensure they're safe and that no evil or harm will reach them, the same way you made sure that your people were safe as you were out on the streets making them all feel protected. But all in all, it's evident that your service overall will not be forgotten, and that your murderer was nothing short of a coward and a scumbag who's only purpose was to inflict harm on others and cause trouble and issues to others, along with the fact his gang wasn't any good either. To be more certain, he will face judgement day regardless, as his time is coming due to the fact he's been sentenced to death, meaning that he lives in fear knowing that at any day and any time, the executioner will call his name to finally be put down, like the reckless dog he is, as he should've been put in the ground a whole lot sooner. As of now, may you rest in peace knowing that your service is appreciated, and that the impact you made will never be forgotten, as your impact on others and the residents of Yolo County will be remembered for as long as time goes on, as your star will never fade out. Rest Well Mr. Diaz

Morgan, a civilian supporter of the blue line

June 21, 2025

God of Justice, I am grateful for the lives and sacrifices of all America’s Peace Officers. They died serving us. Help us never forget. Help us celebrate their lives and honor their sacrifices. Be with the families of these fallen peace officers. Comfort them and give them Your strength and peace. Guide us as we seek to take care of the families of these fallen heroes. May we care for them with integrity. In commemorating the deaths of these fallen heroes, help us also to remember that death is not the end. Death does not have the final say, but is simply the transition from this earthly life to the heavenly life yet to come. This assurance was guaranteed to all believers upon the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. We look forward to that life to come with joy and anticipation. Thank You, Lord God, for hearing this prayer. In the mighty and holy name of Christ Jesus, Your dear Son, I pray. Amen.

Holy Scripture References:

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” [Psalm 23:4 ESV]

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” [John 3:16 ESV]

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NCCA, NACM
The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry
Member: Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers
Merrimack, NH 03054

Captain Steven R. Closs (Retired)
Nashua NH Police Department (1974-1998)

June 15, 2025

Reflection: it's been many years now since I lost my Tony but I carry him always in my heart as I know many of you do too.

Losing him was the hardest thing I've ever done in my life but now as much as it pains me to say this theres a part of me that believes God was calling him home and that he knew this long before anyone of us did.

I don't believe I've ever spoken of this in a public forum before, only our close family and friends know of what I'm about to share witb you but Tony spoke often of his death. It was as if he had a sixth sense that God would be calling him home soon.

Here are a few of the memories I'll share with you:

Often when we would drive past a particular cemetery ( one which was located on the outskirts of Woodland, up on a hill), he would point it out and tell me " baby when I die, I want to be buried up there, under a tree. I never thought much of it but looking back now, I do. I can't tell you how many times he said he wanted to be buried under a tree.

He told me that when I die, ( it was always " when" I die, not ever " if" I die ) I want Jessy ( his 5yr old daughter at the time) to have all my hats. Tony had a huge collection of baseball hats. When I would ask him why Jessy, he would say because she use to like to put them on and stand infront of the mirror and look at herself in them ...I imagine he pictured his little girl giggling with a hat way to big for her little head and if Jessy you should ever be reading this, I still have, after all these years a tub full of your dad's hats I'd love to give you ( along with other things I saved for you and your sister Ali )

Tony also wrote me a beautiful goodbye letter inwhich he gave me specific instructions on how to tell his parents he had passed away, along with a beautiful poem he wrote . He wanted to make sure I didn't call his parents but that I went in person and told them of his passing. He wrote that his dad had a heart condition so I was to go to their home. This was Tony even in death he was a good son to his father. ( sadly as things happen in the tragedy of a sudden death , this did not happen the way he wanted it)

He would also tell me often the music he wanted to be played at his service and that he did not want to be buried in his uniform ( for his law enforcement brothers
I wouldn't take this to personally, I believe Tony felt that being an officer was only a fraction of who he was and it didn't define him as the whole person he was. He wanted to be remembered as " Tony" as " Papi", a brother, an uncle, a son, a friend, a fathet and not just an officer). Sadly these things too were discarded.

There was a day Tony came home with a really cute little white tiger with pretty blue eyes ( he knew that white tigers were my favorite) . He had gotten it for me as a gift and when I asked why he told me " that when I die, I want you to hold on to this and remember me". I think I told him " shut up your not going to die! " and laughed it off . As I write this, 16 yrs later the little tiger sleeps beside me every night.

As if these things were not enough, I think the biggest insight that Tony ever had came one night while he was laying in bed. I was getting ready to turn in for the night standing in the bathroom brushing my teeth, etc when he called me over to him. He was looking on the laptop on the Costco website, we had just gotten a membership that day. He said, " baby, baby come here " with excitement in his voice. I thought he was going to show me something really cool but when I went over lol, he pointed to a blue casket with the mother Mary on it. ( who would of thought Costco had caskets!! And of all things for him to be looking at them !!) He said , " baby when I die, I want to be buried in this! Oh Lord!! I didn't think anything of it but Tony passed two or three days after this.

There were many insights Tony had or said before his death, to many to remember them all but looking back I believe he knew his time here was short and I wish I would taken it more seriously.

In March of 2008, Tony and I lost our baby ( Christina) and 3 months later on Father's day God took him. I don't know why God chose Tony he was such a great man and loving father to his 3 daughters and to my children, and although I so desperately wished he didn't have to go im comforted knowing hes up there with her now.

As in many families drama happens when someone dies and sadly because of this Tony didn't get the things he asked for in death, but he did get close to a tree. I know he would be looking down from heaven smiling. It meant so much to him. Please learn from us and if someone you love should pass away, set your differences a side and out of respect for that loved one be gracious and kind.

My love- forever & a day

Julie Yu
Fiancée

July 27, 2024

Rest in peace Deputy Sheriff Diaz.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 14, 2022

Just watched a training video which told the story of this tragedy. Years after this incident the thin blue line still remembers Tony, honors his sacrifice, and pledges to continue on protecting our communities from dangerous criminals like the one who ended Tony's life. As ambush incidents have only increased, let us all pledge to never forget Tony's sacrifice and that of his family's, and to remember him each time we are in a situation in which we could be ambushed. To family and friends of Tony's: Please accept my sincere condolences and know that you are still prayed for and on the minds of so many LEO's.

Sergeant Aaron Kafer
DENVER POLICE DEPARTMENT

December 2, 2020

RIP Brother-in-Arms, I too was shot , once in 92 & once in 2003 , I was ambush before my shift, spent almost a year in rehab. I was lucky , because I had numerous brothers in blue responding after 4 to my back & 3 to my chest and abdomen. I feel I survived because of brave men & women who issued first aid w/ their back to where the assain got me at my residence, I didn't have my vest on yet, but they worked on my because they were also border patrol paramedics, they kept me talking in our USBP blackhawk, and I awoke 2 weeks later. I retired from border patrol, and took a job as a Texas peace officer, but I always remind the troops to "STAY ALERT STAY ALIVE". God Bless You Brother in Blue.

Retired USBP class 226 Texas peace offic
Texas peace officer

June 24, 2018

Rest In Peace Brother in Blue. You are honored and remembered on the 10th anniversary of your EOW. Thank you and your family for your sacrifice and service.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

June 15, 2018

Just saw the video of your shootout on PoliceOne, Tony. RIP, brother.

Officer R. Law #257
Rocklin PD

November 4, 2016

Tony, I remember that fateful night. I woke up to my dad leaving our house late that Sunday night. I turned on the scanner we had and I listened all night to my dad and some of the other officers who I knew he worked with. When My family had heard of your passing it saddened all of us. I hope your family has found some comfort. I was just a little boy when all of this happened. But I will never forget how much of a hero you are. R.I.P. Jose Antonio Tony Diaz. We live and love as a family, we also grieve as a family.

Civilian Samuel B.
None

November 24, 2015

Thank you for your service brother. I've watched the video of the incident countless times and you did nothing wrong. Your warrior spirt is nothing less than amazing. You were tactically sound but still met your end. There is a lesson in this for all of us. Thank you so much for your service and sacrifice. RIP.

Detective C M
Chicago

November 22, 2015

Thank you for your brave service. Rest in Peace.

1st Lt. Stephen A. Joy #980
Prince George's County Police Department, Maryland

October 31, 2015

It's been 7 years and I still cry for you a few times a year. I miss you Tony.

Your Friend

October 22, 2015

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
GOD Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

June 15, 2015

Deputy Diaz,
I've just watched the dash cam footage of that night you were injured. I thank you for the dedicated services you provided to the Yolo County. May you rest in peace and my condolences to your family.

Security Officer Nguyen
HealthCare Security Services

January 14, 2015

Thank-you for your brave service. Rest in peace.

1st Lt. Stephen A. Joy #980
Prince George's County Police Department, Maryland

July 26, 2014

I routinely go to ODMP and read reflections left to fallen officers. I can honestly say that I have never seen any that were as powerful as the ones left by your fiance and her daughter. They were truly moving and I had to fight back the tears. You were not only a hero for your police service, but a hero to your family. You were more of a father to your fiance's daughter than most fathers are to their own children. You have taught me to concentrate more on spending time with my own sons, rather than trying to get that extra overtime shift or private detail and missing their sporting events and school activities. The job will end someday for most of us lucky ones, but families last a lifetime. I thank you for your service, sacrifice and the lesson that you taught me. You were a good man. RIP brother.

Sergeant. 27 year veteran
A Massachusetts Police Department

March 7, 2014

Rest in peace brother, I'm so sorry you had to die in such a way, but I saw the video as well, and it makes me proud to see how you moved cover to protect the child in the vehicle. You are a true police officer, and a hero. May your family be comforted and may your memory live on. Rest well brother, you have earned at least that.

Patrol Officer Trevor Burnham
Westport Police Department

March 2, 2014

I just saw your video on youtube of that fatal night. You fought the good fight and pursued with courage. May you be rewarded in the next life. Thank you for your service.

Trooper

February 13, 2014

You will never be forgotten because the memory of heroes live forever. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones and close friends. Thank you for your dedicated service to others.

Bob Gordon
Father of Fallen Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

June 15, 2013

Tony,

I can't believe it has been five years already. Never a work day goes by that I don't think of you. Hope you are resting easy and I look forward to seeing you again some day

Anonymous
Woodland PD

June 15, 2013

I spent 8 years as a police officer working midnight to 8am. I finally left that honorable service 10 years ago after too many close calls, bad feelings and what-ifs crossed my path. I also stumbled across this story...just today...just five minutes ago. I watched that dash cam video and all those bad feelings came back to me in a flash. Officer Diaz made the choice of a hero...a man that did not swerve from the path of his duty. He knew who he was dealing with from the previous bolo and he did not hesitate when the assaultive career criminal fled. He chose to exit his vehicle to further pursue the animal rather than taking cover and waiting for back-up. He was the kind of man we ALL would have wanted to have behind the wheel of a police car if someone was putting our family or loved ones in danger. I never met Officer Diaz but I know his type....the kind of man that makes all police officers look GOOD! Rest with Jesus brother officer...I would bet God has a special place in heaven reserved just for men like you. I hope that the rest of the Diaz family has had a chance to find peace in their lives over the last four years...may God bless you all as well...

Citizen - former Police Officer.

December 29, 2012

I was surfing the internet and came across this news story. I use to work in a small town, working by myself and been in similar situations like this which worked out on my behalf. Looking at this video that I watched brings back some memory that I've been in but I came home that night. This officer did nothing wrong from what I watched and he held his own tell help came. God bless you for your service!
It hurts to see this and hope that every Officer calls back-up even if you have a funny feeling about the call. I would have love met and known this Officer who sacrificed his life. God bless you.

Former Police Officer

September 6, 2012

I saw the video of this, your final encounter. Thank you for your service and sacrifice. What strength! What fortitude! you displayed in your final moments with us. I thank God Almighty for men like Deputy Tony Diaz and their honorable service.

citizen

August 28, 2012

RIP officer. You died an honorable death and your memory will live on in all our hearts. Nobody will forget the sacrifice you made to protect the public.

Journalist Akemi Mokoto

July 13, 2012

Thinking of you and your family today. Even though your mom is Spanish speaking and I am not, we spoke speak the language of motherhood. I feel a special connection with her and have from the first day I met her.

All of your family is in my heart's embrace today as we honor your memory on this fourth anniversary of your death. Rest In Peace. You are missed.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

June 15, 2012